INTRODUCING - our new starter silversmith FRANCISCA ONUMAH

We are pleased to introduce our new starter studio holders who will be starting work in their studios from October. This is a very exciting time here at Yorkshire Artspace as these early career artists get settled in and find their way around their new studios and equipment.

Francisca is joining us from her time as Artist in Residence at the Birmingham School of Jewellery following a BA and MA from Birmingham City University. Since graduating she received a Silver Bursary from Goldsmiths Company and the Sara Priesler award for practical realization of concept and has since been busy exploring different avenues of the silversmithing and jewellery market. She is also part of a group of Jewellers and Object Makers called Continued Collective that have exhibited works as part of Schmuck Jewellery week and in galleries in the UK.

Francisca, alongside her fellow silversmith/jewellery starters Suzanne Berry, Aoife White and Diasy Lee-Overton, will be joining Giles Kozdon and Josephine Gomersall in their shared studio here in our city centre Persistence Works building. We wish her the best of luck and we look forward to seeing her work and career develop over the forthcoming two years.

How did you hear about the Starter Studio Programme?

I heard about the Starter Studio programme through a friend who had applied for it as well as through someone who had previously taken part on the programme. I had also seen the position advertised on the Yorkshire Artspace Instagram page.

What made you want to apply?

I applied because I thought it was a good opportunity to develop my work and to get a chance to build on and learn new skills with the help of skilled technicians. I also felt that it would be a great chance to gain some advice on how to build a viable business from my practice.

Can you describe your practice?

Inspired by the process of mark making, my work embraces an impulsive, spontaneous approach to silversmithing. In addition to this, my process borrows from the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, and intentionally creates and accepts imperfections through the making process. I create anthropomorphic vessels and tools, using hammered marks and rolled textile patterns, which are blended together through a combination of intentional and unintentional impressions.